Former governor donates $100K to mansion restoration

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) -- Former Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe has given $100,000 to the governor's mansion restoration fund.

Briscoe was joined by former governor Mark White, who jokingly asked his wife if she "brought the check" after he was caught off guard by Briscoe's donation.

Briscoe challenged another former Texas governor, William Clements, who was not there, to donate as well.

Briscoe was governor from 1973 to 1979. He was defeated by Clements after his two terms, who then served until 1983. The beginnings of a severe economic downturn led to Clements' defeat for reelection in 1982 by Mark White.

The Texas Governor's Mansion Restoration Fund aims to raise money to restore the 152-year-old landmark, which was left with collapsed ceilings, a charred staircase and scorched walls after the June 8 fire.